Climate Change Impacts in the Pacific Region

Climate Change Highlights

Dungeness NWR, Lighthouse and Mt BakerUS FWS

Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation in Washington State (Includes PNW info as well)

This new State of Knowledge Report, prepared by the Univ. of Washington, Climate Impacts Group for the Washington State Department of Ecology, summarizes: 1) Existing knowledge about the likely effects of climate change on Washington State and the Pacific Northwest, with an emphasis on research since 2007; 2)Climate change adaptation activities underway across the state; and; 3)Data resources available to support local adaptation efforts.
The report provides technical summaries detailing observed and projected changes for Washington and Pac. NW climate, water resources, forests, species and ecosystems, coasts and ocean, infrastructure, agriculture, and human health in an easy-to-read summary format designed to complement the foundational literature from which it draws.

A new report titled 'Climate Change in the Northwest: Implications for Our Landscapes, Waters, and Communities' assesses the current state of knowledge about key climate impacts and consequences to various sectors and communities in the Pacific Northwest, including projected impacts on: PNW climate; Hydrology and water supply; Coasts and oceans; Forest ecosystems; Agriculture; Human health, and Northwest Tribes. The report provides technical input to the larger Third National Climate Assessment report.

Wildlife such as pintail ducks are affected by a changing climateGeorge Gentry/US FWS Image (on Flickr)

Executive Order on Preparing the U.S. for the Impacts of Climate Change

The President issued an order that calls on the Federal Government to build on recent progress and pursue new strategies to improve the Nation's preparedness and resilience. In doing so, agencies should promote: (1) engaged and strong partnerships and information sharing at all levels of government; (2) risk-informed decisionmaking and the tools to facilitate it; (3) adaptive learning, in which experiences serve as opportunities to inform and adjust future actions; and (4) preparedness planning